7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As chilly winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring finally graces your neighborhood, you may start thinking about how you’ll keep your residence cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is a great time to implement energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the warmer months ahead.
Here are seven strategies to implement today, courtesy of the cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Operate Ceiling Fans
If you haven’t used your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on an excellent opportunity to increase comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel about four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from operating a ceiling fan lets you dial up the thermostat without making your home feel too hot. Keep in mind, fans cool people, not rooms, so switch them off when no one is in the room.
2. Be Smart About Windows
With regards to managing your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The key is knowing how to use them correctly based on how warm or cold it is outside:
- On cool but sunny days, raise the blinds to let the sunshine in and warm your home naturally.
- On very warm days, open windows on opposite sides of the dwelling to create a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to use your air conditioning system to prevent pollen from getting in.
- On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to lessen solar heat gain and postpone the need for you to run your air conditioner.
3. Use the Backyard Grill
Using the oven or stovetop increases the heat inside your home, making your cooling system work harder and consume more electricity. Make the most of the stunning spring weather by shifting your cooking outdoors. Grilling is a terrific way to get some fresh air while helping keep your residence cool and comfortable. In addition, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the intense heat and pesky mosquitoes of summer.
4. Spring Clean with Efficiency in Mind
Spring cleaning is a habit that provides a fresh, tidy home just in time for summer weather. You may not have heard, but spring cleaning is also a chance to increase your home’s energy efficiency. As you deep-clean your home, focus on areas that can impede airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s power bills. Here are some areas to tackle:
- • Dust off ceiling fan blades and set them to operate counterclockwise.
- Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
- Clean sliding glass door tracks to reduce air leakage.
- Exchange the HVAC air filter to prompt optimal airflow.
- Clear out debris from around the outdoor AC unit to increase performance.
- Clean the coils under or behind the refrigerator to minimize the power required to keep your food cold.
- Wipe down light fixtures and replace older incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
5. Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced
A springtime AC check-up prepares your AC for the summer’s high temperatures. Even though you can perform some tasks yourself, such as switching out the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the outdoor unit, only a professional can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual check-ups can go a long ways to help reduce energy usage, promote more reliable performance and make your equipment last longer. Set up service with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in the spring so you can be sure that your system is ready to do its best when you need it most.
6. Don’t Forget Your Ducts
Spring is a good time to take a look at your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air get to its destination more easily. Plus, thorough duct cleaning gets rid of debris buildup, helping make sure your home’s air moves smoothly within the system. These ductwork services save electricity and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more comfortable place to be during the summer.
7. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
Consider upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less energy without losing performance. Improvements necessitate an investment, but you can expect substantial electricity bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable residence. These improvements also increase a home’s value if you ever decide to put the home on the market. Spring is a good time for HVAC updates, as contractors are usually less busy, making it easier to schedule the installation at a convenient time for you.
Count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale this Spring
For help using any of these suggestions this spring, turn Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide affordable, energy-efficient cooling solutions in Fort Lauderdale to save you money all summer long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can count on us to give you comfort and put your mind at ease. For skilled service that makes a real difference in your daily life, call 954-736-4314 today!